In a recent online poll conducted by the Arabic service of Russia Today, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has once again been voted the most influential Arab leader for the year 2023. This marks the third consecutive year that MBS has secured the top position in this annual poll, further solidifying his standing in the Arab world.
The poll, conducted between December 15, 2023, and January 7, garnered a substantial number of participants, with a total of 530,399 votes cast. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emerged as the clear winner, receiving an impressive 366,403 votes, constituting 69.3 percent of the total votes. This resounding victory reflects the continued support and recognition MBS enjoys among the Arab population.
Securing the second spot in the rankings was UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who obtained 95,033 votes, equivalent to 17.9 percent of the overall votes. While Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed commands significant influence, the gap between him and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remains substantial.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas clinched the third position in the poll with 20,645 votes, making up 3.9 percent of the participants’ votes. This positioning underscores the diverse range of leaders acknowledged in the Arab world, with leaders from various nations represented in the poll.
In the preceding year’s poll, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman triumphed with over 7 million votes out of nearly 12 million cast. The decline in the overall number of votes in the current year has been attributed by RT Arabic to the “restrictions imposed by the West” on the channel and its social media accounts due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Despite this decline, MBS’s consistent popularity remains evident in the significant margin by which he leads the rankings.
The annual poll conducted by Russia Today provides a valuable insight into the perceived influence and leadership qualities of prominent figures in the Arab world. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s continuous dominance in this poll signals not only his personal stature but also the pivotal role that Saudi Arabia plays in the regional geopolitical landscape.
As the results of the online poll affirm, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continues to be the most influential Arab leader, securing this prestigious title for the third consecutive year. This recognition is a testament to the ongoing impact of his leadership on both domestic and regional fronts. The poll results highlight the diverse array of leaders in the Arab world and underscore the enduring significance of MBS in shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
